"So, here we are and that's pretty far
When you think of where we've been.
No going back, I'm fading out, all that has faded me within
You're by my side, now everything's fine, I can't believe."

He wrote the letter quickly, his heart fluttering in anticipation. He had finished furnishing the house he had bought for Hermione and himself and their son.

Hermione,

Come to my flat as soon as you can. I have a surprise for you.

I love you,

Severus

"Quickly, Levi," Severus nodded to his grey owl and watched as the bird flew quickly and gracefully out of his window. A few minutes later, he heard a knock at his front door and he answered eagerly.

"Hermione!" He smiled and pulled her inside and bent down, pulling her in for a chaste kiss.

"Miss me already, do you?" She chuckled.

He looked deep into her eyes and nodded, "I have something to show you."

"Alright."

"You need to close your eyes," He said and she closed her eyes, "And you need to keep them closed. We will be Apparating to our destination. Keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them, okay?"

"Okay, okay!" She laughed.

With a *pop*, Hermione felt the familiar tug at her nasal cavity as she side-long Apparated with Severus. She squeezed her eyes shut. Severus' hands steadied her as they landed and he guided her gently a few steps forward. He felt his cool lips brush her cheek softly.

"You can open your eyes," He whispered.

Hermione opened her eyes to a beautiful dark grey stone cottage. She took in the details of the house. The chimney, the flowers planted in the front of the house, the woods in the backyard, the green grass, the mulched area in front of the house, the stone driveway. There was a boxed in balcony on the side of the house. It was a beautiful home. Her hands covered her mouth in shock and happiness and her eyes filled with tears.

"Do you like it, Hermione?" He was nervous.

"I love it! Can we go inside, please?" She said happily, pulling at his hand.

He nodded and allowed himself to be pulled unceremoniously into the cottage.

"Now, it needs your…feminine decoration," He smiled.

"It's beautiful, Severus," She assured him as she took in the dining room, the kitchen, the living room.

"I have one more surprise," He said and led her upstairs.

He opened a wooden door to reveal a nursery. The walls were painted a light blue. The crib was new and set up, the changing table at its side. A mobile with broomsticks and a snitch hung over the crib. A Hogwarts crest was painted on the wall. There a dresser, a rocking chair, and a small bookshelf placed neatly in the room. Behind the crib on the wall, Severus had painted the name "Rylan "on the wall in a darker blue.

"It's perfect," She said quietly as a tear trickled down her cheek, "You spoil me."

"I do not spoil you. I treat you as you deserve to be treated, as I will always treat you," He scolded her lightheartedly.

"I love you," She hugged him tightly.

He kissed the top of her head and remained silent. He relished the feel of her body in his arms. He never wanted her to move. She spoke too soon, "Are you ready to go to Harry's pool party?"

He groaned, "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Do you even know how to swim?" She chuckled.

"I do not swim."

"Oh, you will, for me," She looked at him, the puppy dog look on her face.

He crossed his arms protectively, "Hermione…"

She smiled at him and Apparated them to Harry's.